TY - JOUR T1 - Beta-2 Microglobulin as a Diagnostic Parameter in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Comparative Study with FDG-PET JF - Anticancer Research JO - Anticancer Res SP - 3341 LP - 3345 VL - 33 IS - 8 AU - DANIEL F. TOTH AU - MARKUS RADERER AU - WOLFGANG WADSAK AU - GEORGIOS KARANIKAS Y1 - 2013/08/01 UR - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/33/8/3341.abstract N2 - Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of the serum tumor marker beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) as well as positron emission tomography (PET) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in confirming or eliminating the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 180 patients with NHL referred for a PET scan was performed. Patients' data regarding demographic information, clinical history, and diagnostic procedures were collected. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive value of serum β2M levels and FDG-PET, compared to a compound gold standard consisting of imaging modalities (computed tomography, magnetic resonance tomography, ultrasound) and/or biopsy, were assessed and compared. Results: β2M had a sensitivity and specificity of 49% and 52% for all types and settings, respectively, as well as a low positive predictive value (66%) and a very low negative predictive value (36%). The overall sensitivity and specificity of FDG-PET for all types of NHL in all settings was 87% and 92%, respectively. Conclusion: Due to its low sensitivity and specificity, β2M cannot be used in the clinical routine as a diagnostic marker for the diagnosis of NHL. On the other hand, in accordance with previous studies, we found that FDG-PET is an excellent tool for the diagnosis of NHL. ER -